RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – A man from Riverhead, New York, faced a judge on Thursday, Jan. 11, after being arraigned on multiple charges related to animal cruelty. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office was alerted after a 1-year-old German Shepherd was brought to a Westbury veterinary hospital with a gunshot wound to its head. The dog, named Blitzkrieg, was found paralyzed and had to be euthanized. A witness stated that the dog was discovered shot and lying in a pen on Carlos Lauro’s South Avenue property, next to a dead goat. It was also revealed that Lauro had previously shot and killed another German Shepherd, a 6-month-old puppy named Cranky, a month prior, after the dog refused to go back inside his house.
When investigators went to Lauro’s property, they found numerous dead farm animals, including a baby goat and pig, with the circumstances of their deaths under investigation. In addition to the deceased animals, eight surviving dogs were found living in neglectful conditions without food or water. Prosecutors described the situation as “deplorable.” Lauro, who has had run-ins with law enforcement in the past, was arraigned on charges including aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect of impounded animals.
The Riverhead Town Attorney’s Office expressed support for the prosecution of Lauro, citing his repeated visits for alleged illegal animal sales and attempts to operate an illegal slaughterhouse. Following his arraignment, Lauro was taken to the Suffolk County jail without bail and is due back in court on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The investigation and care for the surviving animals are being handled by Humane Long Island and the Fund For Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk (FACTS).
In conclusion, Lauro has been charged with multiple offenses related to animal cruelty, following the discovery of dead farm animals and neglected surviving dogs on his property. The case has garnered support from local authorities and animal welfare organizations, as efforts are made to seek justice for the mistreated animals.